Do’s and don’ts of getting hearing aids
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on December 20, 2018
Getting hearing aids is a big decision and a smart investment towards your future quality of life. Before you make the decision, consider these tips to help ensure you get the best hearing aids for your needs.
Do’s
1. Do speak with a hearing professional about situations you want to hear and communicate in better.
2. Do bring a third party or significant...
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Do’s and don’ts of communicating in a busy environment
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on December 11, 2018
Hearing aids are amazing! But even people with normal hearing can sometimes struggle in loud environments. If you find yourself in a busy environment, these tips can help.
Do’s
1. Do look at the people you are speaking with. We all use visual cues whether we realize it or not.
2. Do try to situate yourself in good lighting to see everyone’s face.
3....
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How do you say, “It’s also an ear-worn language translator”?
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on November 20, 2018
Introduced less than two months ago, Livio AI hearing aids are already changing how people think of and use hearing aids. Why? Because Livio AI is the first multi-purpose hearing device that not only sounds better than other hearing aids out there, it also let you track your brain and body health, stream music, phone calls and more from your smartphone, and...
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The connection between diabetes and hearing loss
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on November 14, 2018
The relationship between hearing loss and diabetes has long been debated. But research now concludes that hearing loss is more prevalent in adults with diabetes.
One research study included data from participants ranging in age from 20 to 69. Important information they found:
People with diabetes were 2x more likely to have hearing loss than people without.
...
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You can now fine-tune your hearing aids from anywhere
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on October 19, 2018
With our new telehealth program, Hearing Care Anywhere, Livio™ AI hearing aid wearers can request minor adjustments to their hearing aids from their hearing care professional — without needing to make an appointment or stop into their office.
Hearing Care Anywhere is convenient, and it’s easy to use
If you’re a hearing aid wearer, you know...
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Hear better and live better with the Thrive Hearing app
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on October 11, 2018
If you haven’t yet heard about our revolutionary new Livio™ AI hearing aids, then before you read any further, check out this real quick. And maybe this too.
If you have heard about it — or if you’re back from that short detour — then this blog is all about the Thrive™ Hearing app, the “control unit” for Livio AI...
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Stream Like Never Before with Three New Wireless Accessories
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on September 14, 2018
Designed to provide universal connectivity and greater streaming capabilities, three new wireless hearing aid accessories from Starkey Hearing Technologies work with Livio AI hearing aids to help you engage with the world around you.
The TV
While the Thrive Hearing app also enables direct streaming of audio, music and more with Livio AI hearing aids, we know...
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What’s the difference between a cochlear implant and a hearing aid?
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on August 17, 2018
Q: What’s the difference between a cochlear implant and a hearing aid?
A: Cochlear implants and hearing aids are both medical devices used to treat sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type of hearing loss.
While both devices treat hearing loss, hearing aids are much more common than cochlear implants. Hearing aids are used to successfully treat...
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Understanding your hearing aid batteries life-span
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on August 01, 2018
One of the most annoying things that can happen with hearing aids is when you hear the tinny voice say “Low Battery.” But a lot of factors play into how quickly your hearing aid batteries are used. The quality of your hearing aid batteries can affect a lot of things: how long the batteries last before needing to be changed, the overall performance of...
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What is the best way to clean my ears?
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on July 12, 2018
Believe it or not, one of the most frequently asked questions we get is about the best way to clean your ears. But before I answer it, I first like to remind people why we have earwax.
Cerumen, often referred to as earwax, is produced by the ear for several different reasons. It collects dirt, debris and bacteria, preventing unwanted foreign bodies from entering...
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Watching TV with Hearing Aids
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on July 03, 2018
When meeting with your hearing healthcare provider, you were probably given a questionnaire asking about situations where hearing is challenging. If TV was on that list, your provider may have discussed some solutions to help make TV listening easier and more enjoyable. Like many people, you might have decided to ‘just start’ with the hearing aids,...
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Why should you get your hearing aids professionally cleaned?
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on June 18, 2018
I treat my hearing aids a lot like my car, maybe better actually. Both are routinely treated to cleaning rituals and maintenance tune-ups. And while my car may only get cleaned once a month, I make sure I dry and clean my hearing aids daily, regardless of how long I wear them each day.
But while my day-to-day hearing aid care routine is great, I still make sure...
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Wearing Hearing Aids is "no big deal"
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on June 01, 2018
Starkey hearing aid wearers frequently share their stories. Below is an interview with Starkey wearer Lauren that was originally published on the Starkey Hearing Technologies blog in 2017.
Tell me a little bit about yourself?
My name is Lauren. I live in New York City, and I'm a radio buyer.
Walk me through when and how you first noticed your hearing loss?
...
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All Ears: Aren’t all hearing aids the same?
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on May 15, 2018
This is actually a multi-faceted question! At its most basic, the answer could be “yes,” because — from a manufacturing standpoint — hearing aids all require the same parts: a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver (or speaker) and a battery source. And, from a functional standpoint, all hearing aids should amplify sounds, just as all cars...
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Age-related hearing loss is expected to increase
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on May 01, 2018
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the older we get, the more likely it is we’ll lose our hearing. It’s just one by-product of living a long, fulfilling life (along with fading eyesight, weakened muscles, wisdom, experience…).
That doesn’t lessen the shock of this statistic by the World Health Organization. Five times more likely...
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Beating the dinner din — five dining out tips for people with hearing loss
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on April 13, 2018
Does it seem that, over the years, restaurants have been getting louder and louder? It’s not your imagination! According to industry insiders, restaurants sometimes deliberately create louder environments for a variety of reasons. These reasons can vary from wanting to create a “fun” atmosphere to making it so customers don’t want to linger...
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18 Everyday Sounds That Can Hurt Your Hearing
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on April 02, 2018
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in America — and exposure to loud noise is a leading cause. So what is considered “loud”?
Exposure to any sound 85dB and above can cause hearing damage, though duration is also a factor. Here are 18 common sounds that typically top 85dB.
Think exposure to loud noise has affected...
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Tech Tip: Using "Find My Hearing Aids"
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on March 02, 2018
You know that scary and stressful feeling you get when you misplace your keys or wallet? As some of you may know, that feeling gets worse when the items missing are your hearing aids. Hearing aids are an investment, and it is terrifying to lose something that's often a big part of your day-to-day life.
With Halo iQ, Halo 2 and Halo hearing aids, the “Find My...
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Hearing aid memories: What they are and when to use them
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on March 01, 2018
Open up a hearing aid brochure or visit a hearing aid manufacturer’s website, and you’ll likely come across the term “memories.” Memories refers to different environmental programs that can be accessed by the hearing aid user. These memories manipulate the hearing aid’s gain, frequency response, and microphone mode (directionality) in...
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High Fever is one Potential Cause of Hearing Loss
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on February 01, 2018
Our hearing is a complex system of delicate and interconnected parts. And while it can withstand much, some things are known to damage the tiny hairs (stereocilia) and nerve cells in your inner ear — which can cause or result in hearing loss.
These things include loud noises, natural aging, certain medications and, in some cases, illnesses that are...
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Where to buy hearing aids - online or from a hearing professional?
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on February 01, 2018
If you’re reading this post, you’re probably thinking about getting hearing aids. You’re doing what almost everyone does today before they buy a vacuum or TV, or book a vacation or try a new restaurant — you’re doing online research.
You are smart. Consumers today have an abundance of information and reviews at their fingertips....
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How can I adjust my hearing aid volume and memories?
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on December 28, 2017
Your hearing aids are designed to seamlessly adjust to your everyday listening situations. This means that as you go from a busy coffee shop to a windy park to your quiet home, your hearing aids will automatically adapt to your changing environments. Soft sounds (like fingers typing on a keyboard) should be quiet but audible, while loud sounds (like a vacuum)...
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What is ear infection hearing loss?
Posted by Ann Smith, Audiologist on December 28, 2017
Hearing loss can be caused by a number of different factors including aging, injury, noise exposure, infection and heredity. Those factors affect the auditory nerve, causing a sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type of hearing loss. But did you know an ear infection can also cause hearing loss? Hearing loss caused by an ear infection is referred to as a...
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